Making ornaments to seasonal music, get into holiday spirit

The senior center is getting into the holiday spirit. Participants created porcelain holiday ornaments with Charlotte resident and potter Judy Devitt. Others joined in for a boxwood tree workshop held by Shelburne resident Diane Boucher.

Looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit? Consider joining a winter solstice mediation or listening to seasonal music performed by the Segel children from Charlotte.

Community

Magical World of Birds exhibit
Dec. 9-Jan. 31
The Magical World of Birds, photography by Barbara Motyka, will be the next art exhibit at the senior center.

Avoiding scams
Thursday, Dec. 5, 1:30 p.m.
Protecting yourself and your money this holiday season will be the theme of the securities division of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation. This presentation will look at how to spot and avoid scams. The holidays are a time of increased vulnerability. Last year, the reported losses to scams in Vermont were more than $9 million. Seniors suffer the most significant losses of any age group, often losing a substantial portion of retirement savings. The 30-45 minute presentation incorporates a scam-and-fraud bingo game to reinforce the lessons (and to have fun and win some prizes). Free. Registration suggested at 802-425-6345.

Segel family concert
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a celebration of the season as the five Segel children from Charlotte (ages 5-17) perform on piano and strings. They will play a diverse selection of solos, duets and ensemble pieces, featuring everything from sacred music to classical favorites. Free. Registration suggested at 802-425-6345.

Alzheimer’s caregivers support
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 3-4 p.m.
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? Please join us for the monthly caregivers support group on the second Wednesday of each month from 3-4 p.m. The meetings provide a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. Please note the earlier time during the winter months. Free. No registration required.

Gen-hub
Friday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m.
Gen-hub is a new group of social gatherings for seniors interested in building friendships and making new connections in a cozy environment. Join for light refreshments and lots of conversations and mingling. If there is interest, the group will plan for monthly gatherings. Registration required at 802-425-6345, so there is enough refreshments. Free.

Exercise

Pilates fitness
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Join Phyllis Bartling in this pilates class, geared to folks 55+. This class is challenging and includes upper-body strength work with hand weights and mat exercises while working on core muscles to improve balance, strength and posture. $10 a class. No registration required.

Bone Builders
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. & Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon
RSVP Bone Builders, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont, is a no-impact, weight-training program designed to prevent and even reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis in older adults. Bone Builders consists of a warm-up, balance exercises, arm and leg exercises and a cool down with stretching. Free. No registration required, but there is paperwork to complete for the RSVP Bone Builders program.

Tai chi
Thursdays, 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
The Yang international short form is the most popular form of tai chi practice. It consists of slow continuous soft circular movements which are coordinated with breathing. Regular practice helps to improve balance, mind-body connection, mental awareness, flexibility, stability, coordination and overall health. When practiced in the company of others, it is both uplifting and energizing. Taught by a certified instructor who has studied with the founder of the Tai Chi for Arthritis Association. Email questions. $10 a class. No registration required. No class on Nov. 21 and 28.

Yoga strength-building practice
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon
Heidi Kvasnak leads an integrative practice that builds strength and stability while maintaining a sense of ease and spaciousness in both body and mind. The group will practice longer-held postures that strengthen muscles, bones and core, as well as breath-led flowing movement, including sun salutations. Prerequisite: Must be able to easily get down to and up from the floor with or without props. $10 a class. No registration required.

Programs

Brain games
Fridays, 2-4 p.m.
There are many ways adults can stimulate their brains to increase mental health, improve memory skills and contribute to overall well-being. Research finds that positive interaction with others and engagement in group activities sharpens cognition and increases memory ability. Come play various games, share laughter and enjoy one another’s company. Some games are available, but feel free to bring your own games. Free. No registration required.

Snowy winter landscape
Thursday, Dec. 12, 12:30-2 p.m.
Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping coffee and painting with acrylic paints on canvas. Unlike traditional paint & sips, this “coffee & canvas” will allow you to create your own unique painting. There will be plenty of inspiration from paintings of landscapes with lots of instruction. No prior painting experience needed. All materials included. Cost: $30. Registration at 802-425-6345 and payment required by Dec. 6.

Italian for total beginners
Fridays, Dec. 6-20 & Jan. 3-17, 10-11 a.m.
Are you interested in beginning your study of Italian? This class is for those who want to start with the basics. Explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture through conversation, reading, writing, singing and humor. For questions about whether this class is the correct level, contact Nicole Librandi. Cost: $60. Registration and payment required by Monday, Dec. 2.

Shanghai mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m.
New or experienced in the Shanghai style of mahjong, you are welcome to join this informal get-together. For questions email Nan Mason. Free. No registration required.

Winter solstice mediation
Friday, Dec. 20, 5-6 p.m.
Join Charlie Nardozzi and Heidi Kvasnak in celebration of the winter solstice for a candlelight meditation on Dec. 20, 5-6 p.m. Beginning with seated, gentle movements, followed by soft chanting, a longer sitting meditation and a closing chant. No experience necessary. Suggested donation: $5-$20. Registration recommended at 802-425-6345.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website: charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Monday lunches
Served weekly. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or until the food runs out. Suggested lunch donation $5. No registration required.

Senior center info:
The senior center offers programs for adults 50 and older from Charlotte and surrounding communities. Priority is given to seniors, but programs are open to adults of all ages. Sign up for the email newsletters at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programs for the upcoming week.

Lori York, director
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
Website

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